Victorian Coral Necklace

REF # EO626C1C

Victorian Coral Necklace

This Victorian coral necklace with a 9k yellow gold clasp weighs 29.3g and measures 14.5 inches long, 16mm wide and 5mm deep. This authentic 1840's necklace of outanding delicacy and overall simplicity incorporates four strands of carved miniature coral scrolls measuring between 4mm and 7mm long and approximately 2.5mm wide, graded a delightful 'rusty pale-orange' color. Strung on matching colored silk, the finials of the coral strands are secured by temptingly delicate bead-shape yellow gold caps adjoined to the faceted tubular clasp by means of dainty ringlets. The 9k yellow gold clasp is immaculately chased with different floral motifs on all facets.
The fascination of this alluring Victorian coral necklace lies not only in the artistic work of the master-craftsmen of that era, but also in the interesting characteristics and qualities assigned to coral as an organic gemstone, a name that remains the subject of controversy amongst linguists. Whereas some consider the Greek ..More

This Victorian coral necklace with a 9k yellow gold clasp weighs 29.3g and measures 14.5 inches long, 16mm wide and 5mm deep. This authentic 1840's necklace of outanding delicacy and overall simplicity incorporates four strands of carved miniature coral scrolls measuring between 4mm and 7mm long and approximately 2.5mm wide, graded a delightful 'rusty pale-orange' color. Strung on matching colored silk, the finials of the coral strands are secured by temptingly delicate bead-shape yellow gold caps adjoined to the faceted tubular clasp by means of dainty ringlets. The 9k yellow gold clasp is immaculately chased with different floral motifs on all facets.

The fascination of this alluring Victorian coral necklace lies not only in the artistic work of the master-craftsmen of that era, but also in the interesting characteristics and qualities assigned to coral as an organic gemstone, a name that remains the subject of controversy amongst linguists. Whereas some consider the Greek word 'koraillon' as the origin, meaning the calcareous skeleton of the coral animal, others advocate the theory that the name originates from the Hebrew word 'goral', the word for the stones used to cast an oracle. As a matter of fact coral stems and branches resembling human shapes were often used in ancient times for casting oracles in Palestine and around the Mediterranean.
Coral can be found in depths of up to three thousand meters in the seas around Japan, Taiwan and the Malayan Archipelago, in the Red Sea, the Biscayne Gulf and around the Canary Islands. Like pearls, coral is an organic raw material, both being products of the element water, chemically related as they both consist of over 90% carbonic lime. It is an interesting phenomenon that nature uses the same dull material to create fiery red coral and to grow beautiful pearls!
For centuries, coral has been used not only to produce ornamental objects but also cherished as a protective charm. It continues to be used in many cultures around the world to protect against evil spirits, and the modern teachings of healing with gemstones recognize coral for its positive effect on soothing tensions and fears. The ancient belief in the protective power of coral, lives on in the traditional coral necklace gifts given to young girls as their very first item of jewelry.